Climber rescued after falling from cliff on Portland coast

A climber has been airlifted to hospital after falling from the cliffs at Mutton Cove on the Isle of Portland, Dorset, on Sunday afternoon.

Emergency services, including HM Coastguard, Weymouth RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) and Dorset Police rushed to the scene after reports that a man had plunged several metres.

A reporter said: “He was winched back to the top of the cliffs and airlifted to Dorset County Hospital.”

The area, part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, is a well-known climbing hotspot attracting enthusiasts from across the UK.

However, local rescuers say accidents here are not uncommon.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “We received a report at 12.50pm that a rock climber had fallen off the cliff at Mutton Cove. The man was taken to hospital for treatment. His condition is not believed to be life-threatening.”

Portland Coastguard Watch Manager, Maddy Davey previously warned: “In this area there is little to no mobile phone coverage. It’s advisable to have another means of raising alarm.”

According to Maritime and Coastguard Agency figures, there were over 500 coastal cliff rescues across the UK in 2023, with Dorset and Cornwall among the busiest regions.

Many incidents are linked to slips on loose rock and unexpected changes in weather conditions.

The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) urge climbers to plan ahead.

A spokesperson said: “Even experienced climbers can be caught out by loose terrain or tide changes – preparation is essential.”

The incident at Mutton Cove on Sunday is still being investigated at present, hoping to uncover the dangers and cause of the mans fall.